Time-tested friendship: How military aviation is closest connection between India and France

French President Emmanuel Macron will be the chief guest for the 75th Republic Day celebrations. A 95-member contingent and a 33-member band contingent from France will be part of the marchpast. Two Rafale fighters and an Airbus A330 multi-role tanker transport aircraft of the French Air and Space Force (FASF) will be part of the flypast. A motorcade parade with Prime Minister Modi is planned on 25 January in Jaipur, followed by bilateral talks and a banquet at one of the city’s erstwhile royal palaces. As strategic partners, India and France share a high degree of convergence on a range of regional and global issues. This year, we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the India-France strategic partnership. Prime Minister Modi was the guest of honour at the Bastille Day Parade held on 14 July 2023 in Paris. President Macron visited India for the G-20 Summit on 9-10 September 2023, and earlier in March 2018. These events and interactions indicate the great bonhomie between the two friendly nations and strategic partners and the chemistry between the leaders. There are plans to move forward in many areas of cooperation, ranging from defence and security to energy. Horizon 2047 Document The Horizon 2047 document for the India-France Strategic Partnership has spelt out many core partnership areas. Development of a self-reliant defence industrial technological base with special emphasis on aeronautics is at high priority. Collaboration between naval dockyards is being driven. Cooperation in space is at the heart of the strategic relationship, and the two will continue to engage through the recently institutionalised bilateral strategic space dialogue. In view of the French territories of New Caledonia and French Polynesia, close cooperation in the Indo-Pacific will be important. India and France have always stood together with each other in the fight against terrorism. The two recognise the importance of reinforcing their strategic partnership in the scientific field. Critical technology cooperation includes cyber security and advanced digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and quantum. Progress related to the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project (JNPP) will be reviewed. Establishing a partnership on low and medium power modular nuclear reactors is being worked out. Strengthening energy security to meet climate objectives has been flagged. Supporting urban and ecological transitions in India as well as social inclusion are on the joint agenda. India and France are committed to strengthen their academic ties and to foster exchanges of students. Defence Discussions Buzz French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit is likely to evolve relations for the next 25 years and announce a military-industrial roadmap in which France is expected to enhance India’s capacities and capabilities. There will be an emphasis on making aircraft engines, submarines (including nuclear-powered SSNs), and cooperation in space. But clearly, the loudest buzz is about the aviation deals. Can the visit see some progress on purchasing 26 carrier-capable Rafale-M aircraft for the Indian Navy? Could additional upgraded variants of Rafale be a choice for the Make-in-India fighters for Indian Air Force (IAF)? India has been in talks with France’s Safran Group for joint development of a fighter aircraft engine for India’s fifth-generation fighter, the Advanced Medium Multirole Fighter Aircraft (AMCA). Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) have already been making the Turbomeca (a Safran company) supported ‘Shakti’ helicopter engine. Safran Helicopter Engines and HAL are now set to form a joint-venture (JV) for developing an indigenous aero-engine for Indian Multirole Helicopter (IMRH), which will be built in large numbers in the near future. These deals, if they go through, would take the relations between the two to the next higher level. Of course, there could be discussions on three additional Make-in-India Scorpene (Kalvari-class) submarines. The Indian Navy already operates six India-made Scorpene submarines. France: India’s Time Tested Strategic Partner Indo-French relations date back to 1674 when the French arrived in India at Pondicherry. They later created colonies at Pondicherry, Karaikal, Yanam, Mahe and Chandanagar. All these were peacefully transferred to India in 1954. Paris and New Delhi have had warm and business friendly relations from the very beginning. The French supported India during the Cold War and have also tacitly supported India as a nuclear power. India and France signed a strategic partnership in January 1998. The French have been pioneers of world aviation. After WWII, aviation designer Marcel Dassault re-built the country’s aviation industry. The MD 450 ‘Ouragan’ was the first French-designed jet fighter to enter production. Clearly one of the most enduring solid pillars of the Indo-French relationship since early fifties has been that of military aviation. [caption id=“attachment_13655642” align=“alignnone” width=“681”] IAF Mystere on No.1 Squadron (Tigers). Image: IAF Archives[/caption] The Military Aviation Connect In the mid-1950s India acquired over 100 French Dassault Ouragans (Indian name Toofani). In 1957 India ordered over a 100 Dassault Mystere IVA and used them extensively in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. An Indian Mystere shot down a Pakistani Lockheed F-104 Starfighter during a raid over Sargodha on 7 September 1965. As many as 12 Breguet Alize, French carrier-based anti-submarine warfare aircraft, were acquired by the Indian Navy and operated from the aircraft carrier Vikrant. They took part in Goa operations and in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. The Aerospatiale Alouette III, a single-engine, French light utility helicopter was manufactured under license by HAL as ‘Chetak’. Two more versions, lighter ‘Cheetah’ and re-engined ‘Cheetal’ were later developed for high altitude operations including the Siachen glacier. Over 300 were built and many are still in service in the Indian Armed Forces and Coast Guard. [caption id=“attachment_13655652” align=“alignnone” width=“799”] IAF Cheetah Helicopter in Siachen Glacier. Image: IAF[/caption] IAF purchased the British-led, Anglo-French Jaguar Deep Penetration Strike Aircraft (DPSA) in the late seventies. IAF later bought Mirage 2000s in the 1980s. The Mirage 2000 was the first fly-by-wire controlled aircraft of the IAF. Its weapon-integrated multi-mode radar gave the IAF look-down/shoot-down capabilities. The aircraft also brought IAF’s first Beyond Visual Range (BVR) and the all-aspect close-combat capable missiles. IAF also got the first comprehensive EW suite with the aircraft. Mirage 2000 performed exceedingly well in the 1999 Kargil conflict. The battle took place over some of the highest terrain in the world, where both the aircraft and weapons were closer to the edges of the envelope. Laser guided bombs were used against reinforced targets. Over the years, a very high sortie generation rate made the Mirage 2000 one of the most efficient fighters of the IAF. The aircraft was later upgraded to the Mirage 2000-5 Mk 2 standards and had improved avionics, a glass cockpit and smarter weapons. Mirage-2000 was the platform of choice for the Balakot Strike in 2019 where it hit targets with the Spice-2000 precision glide bombs. Rafale Induction As many as 36 Dassault Rafales were purchased through a government-to-government (G2G) route and are now fully operational in two fighter squadrons of the IAF. The Rafale is considered a 4.5-generation fighter. It has forward hemisphere stealth, and super-cruise capability. The twin-engine, fly-by-wire, omni-role fighter can do multiple missions in the same flight, simultaneously flying air superiority, reconnaissance, interdiction, and the airborne nuclear deterrent missions. The aircraft introduced IAF’s first active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, and has an integrated electronic warfare suite which is among the best in its class. Aircraft’s 14 hard-points can carry 9,500 kg external loads with top end aerial missiles and precision stand-off strike weapons. The Rafale first entered service with French armed forces in 2004. Around 260 have been built till now. The new order will take the total number of Rafale in French armed forces to 234. Rafale export orders currently stand at 297. The Rafale has been used in combat over Afghanistan, Libya, Mali, Iraq and Syria. The aircraft supports India and dominates both the Himalayas and Indian Ocean Region (IOR). They have recently flown extended range deep-sea missions and are regularly operating over the Himalayas. [caption id=“attachment_13655662” align=“alignnone” width=“589”] Rafale refuelling during a mission. Image: IAF[/caption] Upgrades IAF Rafale aircraft are highly customised with some India specific modifications. Essentially they are of F3-plus standard. The F3R standard was validated in 2018, and is currently in place on the French Rafale. The French have begun inducting aircraft with the F4 standard. The F5 standard is evolving, and expected to be ready by 2027. The FASF aircraft are being upgraded to F4 standard with improved on-board processing, external connectivity, new air-to-air missile, upgraded radar, secure and faster network connectivity and improved electronic warfare suite. The Rafale is planned to be the FASF’s primary combat aircraft until at least 2040. Dassault and its partners are already working on the “Super Rafale” F5 standard. It will have advanced radar, other new sensors, armaments, and faster and more secure ability to communicate and collaborate. It is planned to carry hypersonic nuclear-guided missiles. Rafale F5 will greatly improve penetration in contested environments. The F5 will also act as a sensor-truck with data fusion and processing abilities that allows it a tactical flying command post role. F5 is planned to integrate with the European nEUROn combat drone and the loyal wingman concept. F5 deliveries could begin by 2027. Indo-French Air Exercises Exercise ‘Garuda’ series with the FASF began in 2003 at Air Force Station Jodhpur, India. Subsequently they were held in 2005, 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2019. The latest, ‘Garuda VII’, was held from 26 October to 12 November 2022 at Jodhpur. The other locations included Istres and Mont-de-Marson in France and Kalaikunda in India. Both sides fielded top-end combat assets. The joint exercises were meant to augment the “operational capability and interoperability, while also sharing best practices”. In August 2022, a contingent of the FASF, made a strategically important stop at the IAF’s Sulur base in Tamil Nadu on their way to Exercise Pitch Black 2022 in Australia. Aero-Engine India already has experience of manufacture, overhaul and maintenance of Turbomeca Artouste IIIB and the HAL/Turbomecca TM 333-2M2 Shakti engine for helicopters. The Mirage 2000 was initially powered by the M53-5, and later with the more powerful M53-P2. These are being fully maintained and overhauled in India. The Rafale is fitted with two Snecma M88 engines. All these are Safran group engines. Both the IAF and HAL have worked closely with the French companies, and are very well versed with the French fighter and helicopter engine technologies, and working culture. India has already chosen the GE-414 for LCA Mk2 and the same will be produced in India. At best India will get production technology transfer with that engine, as the engine is already fully developed. India still needs its own home-designed engine with intellectual property rights. Though India’s GTRE ‘Kaveri’ may not have seen sufficient success but there is wealth of experience gained, experienced skilled designers and manpower, and data available. A possible joint venture with Safran could be a route for India’s own engine for the indigenous fifth-generation AMCA. It will cost money, but then India must pay if it one day wants to sit on the global defence-manufacturing high-table. It is time for India to take an informed call, and quickly. Airbus in India France is a major stakeholder in Airbus Industries. Airbus’ relationship with India is 50 years old with the delivery of the first Airbus A300 twin-aisle aircraft to Air India. The A320 Family is flying with many airlines, with Delhi being the world’s busiest A320 airport. About 500 aircraft are on order. Air India has recently ordered the acquisition of 40 next generation A350 aircraft. Airbus Helicopters has 35 years of partnership with Pawan Hans Limited (PHL) which inducted the first AS365N/N3 Dauphin in its fleet in 1987. It is the largest civil customer in the world for Airbus Dauphin helicopters. Heligo Charter Private Limited operates six Airbus H145 helicopters for offshore and onshore operations in India. Airbus India Engineering centre was established in 2007 in Bengaluru and now has a strength of more than 700 engineers. It is the backbone which supports all the three divisions – commercial, defence and space and helicopters. Way Ahead With the IAF down to 31 squadrons, its edge over the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has reduced from 3:1 to an all-time low of 1.5:1. The gap with the Chinese PLAAF is widening. In view of the two-front threat and to get back to the authorised 42 squadrons quickly, the IAF has been pushing the case to purchase 114 new fighters. These are required, as the LCA and AMCA programmes are still evolving and will take time. The country seems to have decided to acquire 26 Rafale-Ms for the Indian Navy. As many as 36 Rafales are already operating with the IAF. India has also paid for one-time India-specific enhancements and has an airbase and technical infrastructure for additional squadrons. Instead of acquiring yet another type of fleet, India may wish to acquire the Rafale for those 114 aircraft for the Make-in-India deal. New Delhi considers Paris a more reliable Western ‘friend’. India has a huge fleet of Airbus civil aircraft. India has now decided to convert pre-used, ex-Air India, Airbus A321 and A319 aircraft into the IAF’s new airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) and flight refuelling aircraft (FRA). Engine joint venture with Safran, if successful, will be a game-changer. India’s relations with France are on solid footing. These need to be strengthened further. The writer is Director General, Centre for Air Power Studies. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost_’s views._ Read all the  Latest News ,  Trending News ,  Cricket News ,  Bollywood News , India News  and  Entertainment News  here. Follow us on  Facebook,  Twitter and  Instagram.